Scenic Rim Discovery Hike

Immerse yourself in a relatively untouched and undiscovered part of Queensland on an unforgettable active adventure through South East Queensland’s Scenic Rim.

Journey Overview

Immerse yourself in a relatively untouched and undiscovered part of Queensland on an unforgettable active adventure through South East Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Set at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest, it is a regional Australian paradise waiting to be explored. Spend each evening in sustainably built, comfortable Spicers Retreats and luxury cabins as you explore, savouring delicious locally sourced fare, falling asleep each night in the midst of breathtaking native landscapes.

Journey Highlights

  • Explore the many natural wonders of the spectacular Scenic Rim as you walk heritage listed Main Range National Park
  • Take a step back in time, walking the same land as Allan Cunningham, who, in 1828, was the first European to find and explore this region
  • Wrap up your unforgettable journey with a day to explore at your leisure, on foot, by mountain bike or 4WD
  • Stay at luxurious Spicers Peak Lodge, surrounded by breathtaking views of the sweeping countryside

Journey Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Brisbane –​ Hidden Vale

Your journey begins with a private transfer from Brisbane Airport to the spectacular Spicers Hidden Vale, where your unforgettable Scenic Rim Trail experience begins. Arriving early afternoon, meet your fellow travellers and guide for a welcome briefing. 

After the welcome you will walk to the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, a $5 million purpose-built facility designed to rehabilitate and breed endangered animals in partnership with the University of Queensland. Wildlife you may come across include white cheeked wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, Australian king parrots and wedge tailed eagles. Hidden Vale is home to a resident koala population so sightings are also possible. Tonight will be a dining experience as you taste dishes prepared using ingredients from across the Scenic Rim region and the retreat itself. All of the dishes have been prepared with an element of fire and you’ll be able to watch the chefs cook in their outside coal fired kitchen.
Spicers Hidden Vale | D

Day 2: Spicers Hidden Vale –​ Spicers Mount Mistake Farmhouse

After breakfast, ride by private 4WD through the surrounding private nature reserve to the Spicers Scenic Rim Trailhead. Over the next five hours, slowly ascend through the private nature refuge and learn about the history and ecology of the region. Mount Mistake is part of the ‘Main Range’ a collection of over 40 mountain peaks, the remnants of a volcano that was active some 24 million years ago.

Your first day of walking is rewarded with incredible views along the range. Savour lunch with views over the Little Liverpool Ranges and fresh breezes that rise from the valley below. As you emerge from the forest and into the clearing the ground rolls gently towards the farmhouse, where you will be greeted with a well-earned beverage and canapés.

Set on top of a mountain in breathtaking natural surroundings, Spicers Mount Mistake offers all the creature comforts. The resort caters for up to 14 guests with its 7 luxury rooms, each with its own large private ensuite. 

(Total walking distance: 7km, 4-5 hours)
Spicers Mt Mistake | BLD

Day 3: Mount Mistake Farmhouse –​ Spicers Amphitheatre Eco Cabins

Today’s journey will see you pass into the Main Range National Park, the forest folding in around you. The area, including the Gondwana rainforests and most of the Main Range National Park, was decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Be immersed in the fascinating ecology of the rainforest and surrounding ecosystems along your journey.

The final stretch of the day will see you emerge from the forest and onto the ‘Winder Trail”. The open-cut trail turns through the final stretch of forest before arriving at Spicers Amphitheatre Eco Cabins. As you arrive into camp the charcoal cabins set above the forest floor, surrounded by iconic grass trees, emerge like treehouses. After dinner you’ll retire to your cabin, drifting off to the sounds of the native landscapes.

Spicers Amphitheatre Eco Cabins, located in a forest of towering gum trees, feature 7 sleeping pods each with a Spicers king sized bed, a day bed which can be used as a single bed if preferred, and a private balcony with a large louvre window that opens up to the views of the National Park. Steaming hot, timed 4-minute showers and flushing toilets are located in two wash pavilions located near the sleeping pods.

Enjoy an afternoon drink at sunset overlooking the mountain ranges of the Scenic Rim at the observation deck, then come together for dinner in the beautiful main lodge.

(Total walking distance: 18km, 8 hours)
Spicers Amphitheatre Eco Cabins | BLD

Day 4: Spicers Amphitheatre Eco Cabins –​ Spicers Timber Getters Eco Cabins

After breakfast, set out to explore a number of captivating ecosystems, venturing deep into the national park. As you descend, become enveloped by the canopy, a natural barrier to the sometimes overbearing Queensland sun. Your journey will take you through a wooded forest with beautiful walkways fringed by boulders & contrasting bright green foliage. Admire the large stands of red cedar, white beech and hoop pine, stopping for lunch in ‘the Cathedral’ a zone of giant crow’s ash trees (Australian teak) hundreds of years old. The circumference of some of these beauties is astounding. As you rest quietly it feels as though you are sitting among a village of elders. Your day comes to an end as you arrive at your eco-cabin accommodation for the evening.

The cabins at Timber Getters have been charred on the outside, offering an aesthetic contrast of the burnt timber against the surrounding dark green Xanthorrhoea trees. The property also includes 7 sleeping pods each with a Spicers king sized bed, day bed which can be used as a single bed if preferred. Each cabin also has its own private balcony and National Park views. Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner in the beautiful dining room, before returning to your room to enjoy a night’s sleep with nothing but the soft sounds of nature to send you off to slumber.

(Total walking distance: 8.7kms, 8 hours)
Spicers Timber Getters Eco Cabins | BLD

Day 5: Spicers Timber Getters Eco Cabins –​ Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins

After a restful sleep, enjoy breakfast and prepare for your onward explorations, crossing a rocky saddle and re-entering the rainforest, ending with a brief scramble to a rocky outcrop. From here, drink in spectacular views over the northern section of the park - a just reward. Much of the day’s journey will explore an open ridgeline where you’ll be spellbound by the vast beauty of the Scenic Rim.

Towards the end of the day, walk the same land as Allan Cunningham, who, in 1828, was the first European to find and explore this region. As you complete the descent of Mt Cordeaux, end your day with arrival into Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins which sit in the shadows of Mt Greville.

Celebrate your unforgettable adventure with a sumptuous dinner at Hidden Peaks, afterwards returning to your cabin for a well-earned slumber.

Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins provide a private mountain oasis with incredible views of the Great Dividing Range. The property features 6 individual wooden cabins each with their own private balcony, large ensuite and fireplace.  

(Total walking distance: 13.1kms, 7 hours)
Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins | BLD

Day 6: Spicers Peak Lodge

At the conclusion of your Scenic Rim explorations, savour a delicious breakfast before a road transfer to Spicers Peak Lodge, where you can relax amid the incredible landscapes and the award-winning luxury of the lodge.
Spicers Peak Lodge | BLD

Day 7: Spicers Peak Lodge

Today is yours to explore your spectacular surrounds at leisure. You might embark on a self-guided nature walk, or the more adventurous can set out on a guided mountain biking adventure (additional cost). You could savour a selection of local epicurean delights during barista and cocktail classes, gin tastings, or a wine and cheese tasting. As the sun starts to set on your adventures, consider a 4WD discovery sunset tour, or settle in for a spot of stargazing (activities additional cost and subject to weekly availability).
Spicers Peak Lodge | BLD

Day 8: Spicers Peak Lodge –​ Depart Brisbane

Savour a farewell breakfast before a private transfer to Brisbane Airport.
Spicers Peak Lodge | B

Show Full Itinerary


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Journey Dates & Prices





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